A Role of brachytherapy in bilateral Wilms tumors: A long-term follow-up of three highly selected cases and literature review

Brachytherapy. 2021 Mar-Apr;20(2):478-484. doi: 10.1016/j.brachy.2020.09.001. Epub 2020 Dec 9.

Abstract

Purpose: To describe experience with partial nephrectomy combined with brachytherapy as part of the local management of bilateral Wilms tumor (WT) including a review of the available literature.

Results (methods and case description): Between 2011 and 2014, three highly selected patients (age nine months, 16 months, and 4 years) with bilateral WT (two synchronous and one metachronous) underwent enucleation and perioperative brachytherapy to the tumor bed. With a minimum follow-up of 5 years, all three patients are in continuous complete remission with preserved kidney function.

Conclusions: Although nephron sparing surgery aiming at tumor free-margins remains the gold standard for bilateral WT, tumor enucleation followed by brachytherapy may be considered in carefully selected patients at high risk for end-stage kidney failure. Given the rarity and complexity of the procedure, concentration of care of such patients is mandatory.

Keywords: Brachytherapy; Enucleation; Wilms tumor.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brachytherapy* / methods
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Kidney Neoplasms* / radiotherapy
  • Kidney Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Nephrectomy
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Wilms Tumor* / radiotherapy
  • Wilms Tumor* / surgery